Bringing the Outside In

Creating some of the most elegant furniture around, the husband and wife team that make up Pinch are a rare find. Based in London and designing for many of the great names on the market (Ercol Conran), they also produce a series of divine hand made pieces, including this gorgeous floral armchair and sofa. Their creations are smooth, light and have a freshness to them that brings the cool air in!

The hottest hot botties in town

I've been hunting for hot water bottles recently and have come across several I just have to share. The monsters below are totally divine for children and are made by Dawanda in Germany.


This super soft Alpaca bottle cover is produced by the non-profit organisation Minka who work with poor communities in Peru to ensure that local artisans get a fair price for their goods. It is sold by Traidcraft in the UK.

Based in London, knitwear designer Row Oxo creates throws, cushions and these cheery hot water bottle covers made from superfine Scottish lamb's wool and cashmere. They are all handcrafted with individual care and sold on the Rowpinto website.



Opting for a unique rectangular design,the Greenshop stock this lovely appliqué bottle cover, made from organic cotton (with polyster wadding so ,it's easy to wash!) Toasty and warm, they make a great green gift!

Traditional handicrafts survive in Mexico

Preserving a traditional skill in danger of dying out, the Otomi Indians in Mexico continue to produce beautiful embroidered bed covers and runners (top left) sold by Jacaranda

in New York. Amongst the many South and Central American crafts on offer, are this beautiful hand embroidered fabic from Oaxaca (centre) and velvet emroidered cushions (bottom left).

Bead it

I came across these lovely beaded curtains on the Indian By Design blog and I totally love them! Just as a wall hanging they'll look great, but they could also work to hide junked up corners or to divide up living space. They're made by "Memories of a Butterfly" in Bangalore and I think just have to be my favourite find of late. Too lovely!

Tea Towel Heaven

Ok, so tea towels aren't always the sexiest household item available, but I'm getting hooked! With so many beautiful designs coming out, they are increasingly worth framing and hanging on the wall, or slinging casually over the back of a chair as decoration.
Skinny Laminx from Cape Town, South Africa, designs these lovely pieces and works with local printers and seamstresses to put them together. The results are too nice to use!!

Misses that print

Working out of their East London studio, Yvonne and Rebecca Drury - the duo that make up MissPrint - produce exquisite wallpapers and lampshades. All their fabrics are silk-screen printed by hand - a care and attention that shows. They should soon be launching a collection of vintage furniture and cushions - stay tuned!

A green green chair

Named after its designer, Hee Welling, the Hee Lounge Chair was created with ecology in mind: It is made from a single material ( less transportation between production sites) and is easily recyclable. It also looks elegant, using simple lines and bright colours that suit both the home and garden. I haven't yet sat on one and can't vouch for the comfort, but according to the
Finnish Design Shop website both Oslo Opera goers and Australian Parliamentarians rest their behinds on them!

Keep warm the traditional way!

Wales is well known for its thick plaids and heavy tapestry blankets which look great as throws or bed-covers and are brilliantly snug in winter. Jane Beck sells a beautiful collection of new and vintage Welsh blankets - many from the 1940's and
50's that come in lovely chocolate browns and duck egg blues. The stripes and squares look lovely against single tone cushions or bedspreads and can liven up a faded sofa or armchair.
Welsh Blankets